Yoga Vs. Pilates – How are they different?
Before we start the Yoga Vs. Pilates discussion, it is good to note that there are myriads of fitness programs. Some available online and others offline, from yoga postures to aerobics, Tai Chi to martial arts, etc. The goal of all of them is have good and improvised health. Still, not all the fitness system fits all. Some understand the difference between the Yoga asanas and other forms of fitness methods. Whereas, few ignore the difference. However, in this article we will talk about yoga vs. pilates and how they are not the same.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a full body low-impact exercise system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It majorly focuses on the core, thereby strengthening the muscles, improving postural alignments and the flexibility of the body. Pilates can be done with or without equipment. A typical Pilate’s workout can be 45 minutes to an hour long. However, there is no evidence as such, showing Pilates to be an effective treatment for any medical condition/ailment.
What is Yoga?
On the other hand, yoga is an ancient practice considered to be the most therapeutic activity. Yoga is not mere exercise; it is a way of life! The purpose of Yoga is not to build muscles, in fact, yoga is much more than building and strengthening muscles. Yoga is essentially done to bring harmony in the body, mind, breath, and spirit. Yoga is a way to heal the body, mind, and soul, all together. It allows one to be more flexible, along with that promotes relaxation even in the most stressful of times.
Moreover, in Yoga, one performs several movements, yet without being getting tired or tensed. That is why, Patanjali Yoga Sutras explains yoga asanas as “Sthiram Sukham Asanam,” which means, which is done effortlessly and brings steadiness, stability and Joy is Asana. Upon practicing yoga asanas one do not encounter an extra load on his/her respiratory and cardiac systems. The purpose of yoga is to induce peace and sense of well-being.
Now, lets’ get into the yoga vs. pilates differences.
Yoga Vs. Pilates – What are the differences?
If you are confused to figure out what is more suitable yoga or pilates. Here are few deciding factors which you may definitely want to consider before starting your fitness regime on regular basis.
Oxygen Consumption
The oxygen consumption during asanas is lesser than you’re the oxygen consumption during performing pilates.
Basal Metabolic Rate
Yoga decreases your Basal Metabolic Rate, while pilates even though low-impact exercise but still increase Basal Metabolic Rate.
Breathing Techniques
In yoga, one needs to continuously concentrate on breath, as it helps one to achieve relaxation. Whereas in Pilates, the breath is used more as a technique to provide the muscles with the energy they need to exercise effectively.
Different Poses
Notwithstanding, if you look at yoga vs. pilates, both contain several poses, yet pilates exercises are a lot more intense if compared to yoga.
Calories Count
Yoga asana doesn’t burn your calories as much as pilates do. However, yoga practitioners will need less food consumption than those who do exercises. As a matter of fact, pilates can build up toxins in the body, while Yoga asanas help in eliminating toxins.
Effective Results
One can achieve quicker results such as flatter and firmer stomach by doing pilates than yoga postures. But, the sustainability will be much higher in case of yoga.
Flexibility of Joints & Muscles
Another major difference between Yoga and Pilates is that, yoga aims to improvise flexibility of the overall body along with the flexibility of your joints. Whereas, Pilates focuses only on relaxing the tensed muscles, thereby providing strength to almost all the muscles of the body.
Weight Loss
Both, yoga and pilates helps one to lose weight, but pilates can bring faster results. Just that in yoga you will achieve additional benefits such as calm and peaceful mind, happiness, emotional balance. The major cause for it is that yoga poses help in optimal secretions of the endocrine glands, thereby balancing the emotions and improving relationships and social interactions.
Medical Aid
Since, pilates majorly focuses on the core and therefore only strengthens the muscles whereas, yoga asanas aims to improve overall health of the individual. To some extent Pilates are effective in back pain, but there is no evidence so far for other medical conditions. Whereas, yoga, since ancient times is considered one of the best technique to cure many health conditions. In fact, there are many studies which shows that yoga has been very effective in alleviating or controlling many medical conditions like thyroid, diabetes, migraine, sciatica, back pain etc.
To conclude the Yoga Vs. Pilates discussion ….
One can choose to adopt any method of exercise as long as the objective is only outward. But, if the objective is to achieve beyond body and shape than yoga can be the best fitness regime. Because, yoga asanas are not just simple poses, but were developed as part of a spiritual science. Besides, health and other benefits of yoga, the primary goal however is spirituality.
It is observed, for past few decades that yoga is gaining popularity world-wide. Most practitioners taking to yoga for its physical and mental benefits. Yoga not only brings peace and happiness in one’s life, but also improves awareness in all our activities. Moreover, yoga poses or asanas are a prerequisite for the higher practices of pranayama, meditation and samadhi.
STAY HEALTHY, STAY FIT.
good things have been showed to me….
Thank you very much for highlighting the differences. I’ve highly appreciated that!